Imperial Valley News Center

PACCAR Joins Energy Department SuperTruck II Initiative

Washington, DC - Today, the Energy Department is announcing an additional competitively awarded multi-year SuperTruck II project. PACCAR Inc. joins four other SuperTruck II teams to develop innovative technologies that more than double the freight efficiency of Class 8 trucks, commonly known as 18-wheelers. PACCAR has been selected to receive up to $8 million in fiscal year (FY) 2017 funds. With this award, the five SuperTruck II projects will have received a total of $40 million in FY 2016 and FY 2017 funds.

The awards are cost-shared by the recipients.

SuperTruck II aims to improve freight efficiency by more than 100% and demonstrate 55% engine brake thermal efficiency. These trucks haul 80% of goods in the United States and use about 28 billion gallons of fuel per year, accounting for around 22% of total transportation energy usage—presenting a significant opportunity to increase efficiency and reduce cost for a key segment of our nation's transportation sector. Lowering the trucks' fuel costs reduces the amount companies need to spend on transportation and can allow retailers to pass that savings to consumers.

The Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy supports early-stage research and development of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies that enhance energy affordability, reliability, and resilience and strengthen U.S. energy security, economic growth, and environmental quality. For more details about SuperTruck II and the Vehicle Technologies Office, visit energy.gov/vehicles.